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In a decisive move, Saudi Arabia has expelled the military attaché and four other staff members from the Iranian embassy, declaring them persona non grata. This action, announced by the Saudi foreign ministry on Saturday, highlights escalating tensions between the two nations.
The ministry’s statement pointed to ongoing aggressive acts by Iran, which it claims have targeted Saudi territory. Since the onset of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, Saudi Arabia has reportedly been the target of numerous Iranian missile and drone attacks. Fortunately, most of these attacks have been successfully intercepted, according to Saudi authorities.
In its statement, the Saudi foreign ministry warned that Iran’s persistent aggression could lead to a deeper escalation, with potentially serious ramifications for both current and future bilateral relations. The ministry emphasized that these attacks infringe upon Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, threaten civilian safety, jeopardize economic interests, and compromise diplomatic missions within the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia has condemned these actions as violations of United Nations resolutions and international law, emphasizing that they also contravene the principles of good neighborliness. The Kingdom’s firm response underscores its commitment to defending its national interests and maintaining regional stability.
Iran was targeting Saudi Arabia’s “sovereignty, civilian sites, civilians, economic interests, and diplomatic missions within the Kingdom”, the statement said, calling it a violation of UN resolutions, international law and “the principles of good neighbourliness”.
On Wednesday, the Saudi foreign minister said the kingdom reserved the right to act militarily against Iran and any trust with Tehran had been shattered following recent attacks.
Saudi Arabia and Iran re-established diplomatic ties in 2023 as part of an effort to calm tensions after years of enmity that saw them back opposing political and military factions in the region.
The US-Israeli war on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent attacks on Gulf neighbours have disrupted oil and natural gas exports from the Middle East and forced production stoppages.
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